Senior Debating News

Senior Debating News

Wesley Model UN

Ten students represented Belvedere College in the Wesley Model UN recently. They made up two delegations, Brazil and New Zealand. Darragh Schmidt, Aidan McCullough, David Walley, Robert Grendon and Cillian O’Neill made up the Brazil delegation and Tomas O Ceallaigh, Eoghan Conway, Cormac Docherty, Eimhin O’Neill and Ryan Cotter made up the New Zealand delegation. Every student contributed very well with Aidan McCullough and Robert Grendon being highly commended.

All spoke to a very high standard but after a tight competition on the team of Dylan Dimond and Tom Hegarty broke to the Final. There were 40 teams involved in total so to get to the Final was a great achievement. Unfortunately they were beaten in the Final but they spoke extremely well from the First Proposition position. Well done and onwards and upwards!

Leinster Senior Schools’ Debating Competition

Belvedere team reach Final

Congratulations to David Boylan and Fiachra Nolan on reaching the 2018 Final of the Leinster Senior Schools’ Competition. It is the first time a Belvedere team has reached the Final in a number of years. It is a fantastic achievement, and hopefully with a bit of luck the two lads will go all the way! Well done!

TCD Philspeaks Debating Competition

A Belvedere team of Cillian O’Neill and Darragh Schmidt took part in the annual Philspeaks Mace Debating Competition run by TCD. They did fantastically well, breaking first and second on the tab as individuals and breaking first as a team. Well done on a fantastic achievement!

Leinster Senior Schools’ Debating Competition

Belvedere get 5 speakers to the Semi Final Stage

Congratulations to Aidan McCullough, Darragh Schmidt, Cillian O’Neill, Fiachra Nolan and David Boylan on getting to the Semi Final Stage of this year’s competition. Well done on a super achievement! Onwards and upwards!

Leinster Senior Schools’ Debating Competition

Another Belvedere Team Reaches the Quarter Final Stage

Congratulations to Cillian O’Neill (SX) and Darragh Schmidt (SX) on reaching the Quarter Final Stage of this year’s competition. It is a great achievement for a TY team to get so far. Well done!

ROCKMUN 2018
On the 2nd and 3rd of February, Belvedere College SJ sent 10 delegates to Blackrock College for ROCKMUN 2018.
The conference was the second attended by the new Model United Nations society in the school.
The delegations were formed completely from TY students who partook in the conference over Friday evening and all-day Saturday.
Our delegations achieved great success.
The delegation of Israel consisted of Robert Grendon (SK), David Walley (SF), Cillian O’Neill (SX), Darragh Schmidt (SX), Ryan Cotter (SL) and Tomás O’Ceallaigh (SX).
They received one distinguished delegate award for Robert and a resolution brought forward by Darragh which was passed by an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly.
Our other delegation South Africa consisted of, Eoghan Conway (SA), Daniel Bisset (SK), Tom McGinnity (SK) and Tom Farrelly (SF) received two distinguished delegate awards for Daniel Bisset and Tom Farrelly while also receiving an outstanding delegation award for the efforts of the whole group.
These awards show that all the preparation and effort that was put in by everyone involved paid off with each lad thoroughly enjoying the weekend.
This was just our third conference ever and to achieve such success proves the great potential for a successful Model United Nations Society in our school.
Thanks to Mr. Hogan who helped to facilitate the society and to Darragh Schmidt for organising.
Darragh Schmidt

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Congratulations to the four Belvedere students (so far) who have qualified for the Quarter Finals of this year's competition. They are David Boylan, Fiachra Nolan, Doug Suffield and Aidan McCullough. Well done! Onwards and upwards!

This year six Belvedere teams will compete in the Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition. There are two students on each team. Team members come from Syntax (4th Year), Poetry (5th Year) and Rhetoric (6th Year). Congratulations to following who will represent the school:

Belvedere was invited to compete in the Airfield Estate Food Series Debate. Two students from Syntax (4th Year) represented the school. These were Eoin Walsh and Cillian O'Neill. They did the school proud with their efforts. Congratulations to them!

Congratulations to Fiachra Nolan (SS) on being named the Runner Up speaker in this year's Aoife Begley Maynooth Debating Competition. It was a very high standard debate with a good variety of speakers. Well done to Fiachra on his efforts. Bring on next year!

Belvedere Students reach Maynooth Final

Congratulations to Fiachra Nolan and Eoin Harrington on their progression (as individuals) to the Final of this year's competition. Well done!

Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition (Maynooth University)

Congratulations to Eoin Harrington, David Boylan and Fiachra Nolan on reaching the Semi Final of this year's event. Onwards and upwards!

College Historical Society Schools' Mace (Trinity)

Congratulations to Peter Tumulty (SF) and Tom Hegarty (SS) on breaking to the Final of this year's competition. They spoke very well but unfortunately did not win the competition. They did very well on the tab however, both placing 4th which is a fantastic achievement. Well done!

UCD Lawsoc Mace

Belvedere team reach Final

Congratulations to Dan Byrne and Cathal McGuinness on breaking to the Final of this year's event. They spoke very well in the Final but unfortunately came up short. Fair play also to Liam Schmidt, Eoin Harrington, Thomas O'Connor, Joey Healy, Peter Tumulty and Sam Feely for their efforts in the competition. They spoke to an extremely high standard with Dan, Peter and Eoin all breaking into the top ten on the tab.
Well done to all!

Oxford Union Schools' Debating Competition (Irish Round)

Congratulations to Thomas O'Connor (SX) & Joey Healy (SX), Fiachra Nolan (SS) & Tom Hegarty (SS) and Dan Byrne (PA) & Doug Suffield (PX) on their efforts in the Irish Round. They spoke very well and came close to breaking to the Finals' Day but unfortunately did not make it. Commiserations but well done at the same time!

TCD Philosophical Society Mace (Philspeaks)

Belvederians reach Semi Finals

Belvedere entered three teams into this year's event. It was a large competition. Well done to Dylan Dimond & Tom Hegarty, Thomas O'Connor & Joey Healy and David Boylan & Fiachra Nolan on their efforts. Special Congratulations to Dylan, Tom, David and Fiachra on reaching the Semi-Finals! They spoke very well and were a little unlucky not to break to the Final.

Annual Past v Present Debate

The Annual Past v Present Debate took place in November. It has been running for over 30 years now and was yet again a big success with a healthy audience in attendance. Rhetoric was very ably represented by Donnchadh Curran (RL), James Crumlish (RK), Micheal Killarney (RK) and Daniel Culleton (RF). They had to face Eoin Kilkenny ('04), David McAlinden ('96), Stephen Lynam ('96) and Brian Conroy ('98). It was a close debate but Past secured the win yet again! Well done to all!

Aoife Begley Memorial Competition (Maynooth University)

This year's competition is ongoing and Belvedere students have had some good results. There has been a change in the competition this year with preliminary rounds being run in a league format in the 2nd round. Well done to Thomas O'Connor, Joey Healy, Jed Jones, Jordan Cahill, Eoin Harrington, Cathal McGuinness, Fiachra Nolan, David Boylan, Dylan Dimond and Tom Hegarty on their efforts. Onwards and upwards!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

3 Belvederians reach Semi-Finals

Congratulations to Tom Hegarty & Dan Byrne (team) and to Donnchadh Curran (individual) who have qualified for the Semi-Finals of this year's contest. Hopefully they will progress to the Final! Well done!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

9 Belvederians make it to the Quarter Finals.

Congratulations to the 9 Belvederians who have qualified for the Quarter Finals of this year's competition. All participants spoke in what were high standard debates. Unfortunately not everyone progressed but most were successful. Well done to Conrad Oppermann (individual), Ben Ryan (individual), Donnchadh Curran (individual), Fiachra Nolan & Peter Tumulty (team), Micheal Killarney & Daniel Culleton (team), Dan Byrne & Tom Hegarty (team).

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

More Belvedere students qualify for 2nd round

Congratulations to Ben Ryan, Tom Hegarty and Dan Byrne on reaching the second round of this year's competition. Well done!

So far Daniel, Micheal, Eoin, Dylan, Cathal, Fiachra, Peter, Conrad and Donnchadh have qualified for the 2nd round. Congratulations! Hopefully the other lads will join them soon!

Cambridge Union Schools' Competition

Belvedere entered four teams into this year's event. Unfortunately no one qualified for the Finals' Day but each student put in a very good effort. Well done to Doug Suffield, Conrad Oppermann, Thomas O'Connor, Dylan Dimond, Tom Hegarty, Dan Byrne, Cathal McGuinness and Peter Tumulty.

Belvedere teams make Maynooth Final

Congratulations to Ben Ryan (SK) & Eoin Harrington (SK) and Dan Byrne (SA) & Cathal McGuinness (SS) who have qualified for the Final of this year's Maynooth University (Aoife Begley) Debating Competition. It is the first time that the school will be represented by two teams in the Final. Hopefully the lads will have yet more success! Well done to all involved!

Belvedere speaker reaches TCD Phil Pro-Am Final

Congratulations to Ben Ryan (SK) on reaching the Final of this year's Pro-Am Mace Debating Competition run by the TCD Phil. Ben was paired with a College student for the day and it was an excellent learning experience for him! He achieved a very high standard of debating. Well done!

Leinster Junior Schools' Debating Competition

7 Belvederians through to Leinster Semi-Finals

Congratulations to the 7 Belvederians who have qualified for the Semi-Finals of this year's competition. Luke Kelly (RDX) & Darragh Schmidt (RDX) and Thomas O'Connor (GX) & David Boylan (GX) will in compete in the Semi-Final as teams while Tomas O Ceallaigh (RDX), Daragh Moreau (RDX) and Dylan Dimond (GK) will participate as individuals. It is a fantastic achievement for the lads to get this far. No other school will have as many representatives in the Semi-Final. Hopefully their efforts will bring yet more success. Well done to all involved!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Congratulations to Daniel Culleton (PF) and Micheal Killarney (PK) on reaching the Semi Final of this year's competition. They spoke very well in what was a high standard Quarter Final Debate. Hopefully they will be able to attain an even higher standard in the next round. Well done!

Trinity College Historical Society Schools' Mace

Congratulations to Conrad Oppermann (SL) and Fintan Birch (PX) on reaching the final of this year's competition. They spoke very well thoughout the two days of the event but unfortunately came up short in the last debate. Well done also to Dan Byrne (SA) and Cathal McGuinness (SS) who got to the Semi Final of the competition. Micheal Killarney (PK) and Daniel Culleton (PF) were also involved in the Mace. All six students spoke very well!

Congratulations to Daniel Byrne and Cathal McGuinness on reaching the final of this year's competition. They spoke extremely well over the course of seven debates in the two day competition. The event was mace format and the standard was very high. Congratulations also to Liam Schmidt and Chris Hutchinson on their good participation and effort.
Well done to all involved!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Congratulations to Micheal Killarney & Daniel Culleton, Conor Henry & James Crumlish and Saoirse Grogan Neilan who have all qualified for the next round of this year's competition. Onwards and upwards! Well done!

Belvedere students participate in Oxford and Cambridge trials

Well done to the 8 Belvedere students who, thanks to the generosity of Matheson, tried out for the Oxford and Cambridge trials! Each of the students involved (Dara Kelly, Saoirse Grogan Neilan, Leon Langdon, Michael Dooley, Micheal Killarney, Daniel Culleton, Donnchadh Curran and Ciaran Heelan) spoke very well in the trials. These consisted of Mace Competition style debates. Unfortunately even though they came close, they did not come close enough and therefore have not qualified for the respective Finals' Days in Oxford and Cambridge. Micheal and Daniel just lost out as they only just lost in the Irish Final of the Cambridge try out. Commiserations to all involved!

Many thanks to Matheson for their continued support for our involvement in this competition and for giving the lads the chance to compete.

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Congratulations to Leon Langdon (RL), Eoin Harrington (SK), and Donnchadh Curran (PL) who have reached the Quarter Finals of this year's competition. Well done!

NUI Maynooth Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition

Congratulations to Eoin Harrington, Aidan Murphy, Ben Ryan, Dan Byrne, Conrad Oppermann, Doug Suffield and to Cathal McGuinness who have all qualified for the next round of this year's competition. They spike very well in what we're tight debates. Well done to all involved!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Ten Belvederians through to the next round

Congratulations to James Crumlish (PK) and Conor Henry (PF) who have qualified for the second round of this year's competition. Their good result means that 10 Belvedere students have now qualified for the next round. Well done to all involved!

Maynooth University Debating Competition

Congratulations to Eoin Harrington, Ben Ryan, Doug Suffield and Conrad Oppermann who have qualified for the 2nd round of this year's competition. There were some tough debates for the lads. Well done to all involved!

UCD L&H Senior Mace

Congratulations to Donnchadh Curran (PL) and Ciaran Heelan (PK) on reaching the semi final of this year's competition. They spoke to a very high standard in every round of the competition. There was good general Belvedere participation; Dara Kelly (RX), Saoirse Grogan Neilan (RF), Leon Langdon (RL), Michael Dooley (RK), Micheal Killarney (PK) and Daniel Culleton (PF) all contributed. Well done to all!

Congratulations to Dara Kelly (RX) on qualifying for the 2nd round of this year's competition. He took part as an individual and hopefully the success so will being further good results. Well done!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Congratulations to Eoin Harrington (SK) and Donnchadh Curran (PL) who have qualified for the second round of this year's competition. They spoke very well in what was a tough opening round. Well done!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Congratulations to Saoirse Grogan Neilan (RF), Leon Langdon (RL) & Michael Dooley (RK), and Daniel Culleton (PF) & Micheal Killarney (PK) who have all qualified for the second round of this year's competition. All spoke very well in their respective debates and fully deserved to go through!
Well done to all involved!

Belvederian performs admirably in National Final

Dara Kelly (PX) spoke in the National Final of this year's prepared competition. It was the first time we had competed in the event in five years and it was a high standard debate. Unfortunately, it was not Dara's day but he spoke extremely well. Congratulations and commiserations!

Belvederian wins Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition
Congratulations to Dara Kelly (PX) on winning the Final of the Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition! It was held in the opulent surroundings of the Exam Hall in Trinity. It was a very closely fought debate and to win it is a huge achievement! It is the first time in over 25 years that the school has won the individual category of this prestigious competition! Dara had competed in a team with Saoirse Grogan Neilan (PF) up to the Semi Final stage. Many thanks to all those who came out to support! It was greatly appreciated!

Well done to Dara! It's a richly deserved victory!

Maynooth Debating Competition Final

Commiserations to Ciaran Heelan (GK) and Donnchadh Curran (GL) on their performance in the Final of the Maynooth Debating Compettion. They spoke extremely well in what was a very tough debate but unfortunately they did not win. However they showed very good potential for the future. Hopefully it was a positive experience for them!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

Belvedere speaker breaks to the 2015 Final

Congratulations to Dara Kelly (PX) who has broken to the Final of the 2015 Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition. It is a great achievement to break to the Final of this prestigious competition. This will be the 3rd year in a row that Belvedere will be involved in the Final and hopefully the event will bring further success to the school. Commiserations to the other Belvedere semi-finalists. Each student spoke very well.

The Final will take place on Tuesday March 24th in TCD.

Well done to Dara!

Trinity Philspeaks Pro-Am

Congratulations to Micheal Killarney (SK) who won the Trinity Philspeaks Mace debating competition. In this competition each participant is paired up with a College student for the day and they debate a variety of different and very challenging topics.

Micheal reached the Final and after a close contest was judged to be the winning school speaker for the whole competition. His success shows the promise that is in TY debating.

Well done to Micheal!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

6 Belvederians into Leinster Semi Finals

Congratulations to Jack Loftus (RS) & Patrick Sharkey (RF), Dara Kelly (PX) & Saoirse Grogan Neilan (PF), Leon Langdon (PL) and Daniel Culleton (SF) who have qualified in the team and/ or individual category for the Semi Finals of this year's Leinster Competition. The standard was very high and to have 6 students in the Semi Finals is a great achievement. Commiserations to James Kirwan (SF), Kilian Harrison (SX) and Eoghan O'Connor (PK) who unfortunately did not make it.

Well done to all involved especially the 6 Semi Finalists! This success is further evidence of a great consistency in senior debating as this is the 8th year in a row that Belvedere will be represented at the Semi Finals!

Onwards and upwards!

Belvedere team reach Maynooth Debating Final

Congratulations to Ciaran Heelan (SK) and to Donnchadh Curran (SL) who have reached the Final of this year's Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition in Maynooth University. It is a major achievement. The Final will be held on March 12th next. Onwards and upwards!

Well done to the two

Annual Past v Present Debate

The 37th Annual Past v Present Debate took place in the College on January 23rd. As ever, it proved to be a most enjoyable and entertaining occasion. Over eighty people (past pupils, students, teachers and parents) attended. The Rhetoric team consisted of the following students: Jack Loftus (RS), Patrick Sharkey (RF), Edward Byrne (RX) and Sam Killian (RL). The Past Pupils' Union sent the following people: Seamus Woulfe (OB'80), Stephen Lynam (OB'96), Daragh McGinley (OB'96) and Cian O'Callaghan (OB'97). The motion was 'That this House would ban foreign involvement in civil unrest' and the Past proposed it. The debate was chaired by Mr Cillian Murphy, the President of the Belvedere Union and he was assisted by Daniel Culleton (SF) who was the time keeper on the night. Three teachers, Dr Michael Clark, Ms Emma Grealy and Mr Shane Moloney adjudicated the debate. The audience was able to participate after the main speeches. After a closely fought debate, the Past were deemed the narrow victors but Sam Killian was named best speaker. Well done!

Congratulations to all involved for what turned out to be a most enjoyable event. Many thanks to all those led by the Headmaster Mr Gerry Foley who supported it. We look forward to the 38th debate!

TCD Philosophical Society 'Philspeaks' Mace Debating Competition

Four Belvederians took part in this year's competition. The students, Donnchadh Curran (SL), Ciaran Heelan (SK), Oisin Henry (SX) and Fintan Birch (SX) are all in Transition Year and for three of them it was their first Senior Mace. While they did not break to the knock out stages of the competition they spoke very well and hopefully will be able to build on the experience.

Well done to the lads involved!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

10 students through to the Quarter Final Stage

All 12 Belvederians competed in the second round of this year's competition recently. There was a wide variety of difficult topics involved and happily 10 of the 12 students qualified for the Quarter Finals. This is a great achievement and it shows a good consistency in the school's debating society! Hopefully Jack Loftus (RS) & Patrick Sharkey (RF), Dara Kelly (PX) & Saoirse Grogan Neilan (PF), Eoghan A. O'Connor (PK) & Leon Langdon (PL), James Kirwan (SF), Kilian Harrison (SX), Micheal Killarney (SK) and Daniel Culleton (SF) will be able to advance even further in the competition!

Well done to all involved! Onwards and upwards!

Oxford Union Schools' Debating Competition (Irish Round)

Four Belvederians, Dara Kelly (PX) & Saoirse Grogan Neilan (PF) and Leon Langdon (PL) & Kilian Harrison (SX) competed in the Irish Round of this prestigious competition. The standard of all the speakers involved was very high and unfortunately neither Belvedere team qualified for the Finals' Day this year. Hopefully the experience for the lads though was a positive one. Many thanks to Matheson for supporting our participation in the competition.

Well done to the four lads on their efforts!

Cambridge Union Schools' Debating Competition (Irish Round)

This year, thanks to the generosity of Matheson, we were able to enter 3 teams into this year's competition. It is a very prestigious event and the standard of all the speakers involved was very high. The Belvedere teams consisted of Kilian Harrison (SX) & Daniel Culleton (SF), James Kirwan (SF) & Micheal Killarney (SK) and Dara Kelly (PX) & Saoirse Grogan Neilan (PF). Each student made a great effort and Kilian and Daniel managed to break into this year's Irish Final. Unfortunately they did not win it and as a result lost out on a place in main event. It was a disappointing outcome but hopefully the experience will have proved positive.

Congratulations to the students though on all their efforts!

Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition (Maynooth)

Congratulations to Donnchadh Curran (SL) and Ciaran Heelan (SK) on reaching the Semi Final of this year's competition. It is a huge achievement to reach the business end of any competition and this one is challenging! Well done to the two lads! Onwards and upwards!

Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition

All twelve Belvederians Break into the 2nd Round

Congratulations to Daniel Culleton (SF) on qualifying for the second round of the Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition. This is a very high standard competition so full marks to him for breaking into the next round. As a result of his success, all twelve Belvederians who originally entered have now broken into the second round. This 100% record is a great achievement!

Well done to all involved!

Ireland Schools' World Debating Team

Well done to Kilian Harrison (SX) and Daniel Culleton (SF) on their efforts in the Worlds' Trials. It was not to be, but they spoke very well.

Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition (NUI Maynooth)

Congratulations to James Crumlish (SK) and Hugh O'Sullivan (SA) on their efforts in the 1st round of this year's competition. They spoke very well and have qualified for the next round. Well done to the two lads!

Congratulations also to Donnchadh Curran (SL) & Ciaran Heelan (SK) (who qualified as a team) and Oisin Henry (SX) (who qualified as an individual) and Aodhan Buggy (SA) ( who qualified as an individual) on their performance in the 1st round of this year's competition. They have all qualified for the 2nd round.

Well done to all the lads!

UCD L & H Senior Schools Mace

Congratulations to Jack Loftus (RHS) & Patrick Sharkey (RHF), Dara Kelly (PX) & Saoirse Grogan Neilan (PF) and Fintan Birch (SX) & Daniel Culleton (SF) on their efforts in this year's UCD L & H Senior Schools Mace. A high standard was maintained by all throughout the two days of the event
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A special mention to Jack and Patrick who were 9th best team and 4th and 9th respectably on the individual tab.

Belvederian speaks very well in Maynooth Debating Final
Congratulations to Ethan Campbell Foley (SS) on his excellent contribution to the Final of the NUI Maynooth Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition. It was a very difficult yet high standard debate on a challenging topic: This House Would Support a Humanitarian Intervention in Crimea. While he did not win the debate, Ethan spoke extremely well against tough opposition. Well done!

Belvederian reaches Maynooth Debating Competition Final

Congratulations to Ethan Campbell Foley (SS) who has reached the Final of this year's Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition run by NUI Maynooth. The semi final was a very high standard and to get to the Final is a big achievement. Onwards and upwards!

Well done!

CCC Senior Mace

Congratulations to Dara Kelly (SX) and Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF) who broke to the Final of this year's CCC Senior Mace! It was a great achievement in what was a high standard competition. While they did not win the Final, they performed admirably. Well done also to Leon Langdon (SL), Ciaran Breslin (SL), Jack Loftus (PS), Conor McCaffrey (PS), Andrew Hynes (PF) and Patrick Sharkey (PF) on their efforts in the competition. Special mention to Conor and to Andrew who performed very very well considering it was their 1st Mace!

Well done to all involved!

Conor Browne (RK) named as Runner-up individual in the Leinster Senior Final!

Congratulations to Conor Browne (RK) and Rian Hayes (RK) who competed very well in a hotly contested Leinster Final. Both spoke to a very high standard. Unfortunately they did not win the team prize, but Conor was named Runner-up individual speaker on the night. This is an outstanding achievement. It is the second year in a row that a Belvedere speaker was named Runner-up!

Well done to the two lads on their efforts in the various rounds over the course of the year!

Belvedere team through to Leinster Final.

Congratulations to Conor Browne (RK) and Rian Hayes (RK) who have qualified for the Final of this year's Leinster Senior Schools' Debating Competition. It is very difficult to get into the Leinster Final as there are 4 semi-finals so to qualify is a massive achievement. The Final will be in 2 weeks. Commiserations to the other Belvedere semi-finalists; Patrick Sharkey (PF) & Jack Loftus (PS), Gavin Comerford (RK) & Alex Delamer (RA), and Dara Kelly (SX) & Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF). They did very well and were excellent representatives of the school but didn't quite make it on the night. Well done to all involved! Onwards and upwards for Conor and Rian!

Congratulations to Conor Browne (RK) & Rian Hayes (RK), Gavin Comerford (RK) & Alex Delamer (RA), Patrick Sharkey (PF) & Jack Loftus (PS), Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF) & Dara Kelly (SX) on reaching the Semi Finals of the 2013/14 Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition. The standard in the competition is very high and to get 4 teams into the business end of the competition is a major achievement! Congratulations! Well done to all involved! Onwards and upwards!

Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition (NUI Maynooth)

Congratulations to Ethan Campbell Foley (SS) on his progression as an individual to the Semi Final of this year's competition. The next round will be held shortly. Well done!

Congratulations to Ciaran Breslin (SL) and Leon Langdon (SL) on their progression to this year's Semi-Final! They will compete as a team. Well done for a good performance in what was a very high standard debate! Onwards and upwards!

Past V Present Debate 2013/14

On November 15th the “old schoolers” took on the Rhetoric boys in the annual C. The motion was “That this house would grant an amnesty to all illegal immigrants” with the Present proposing the motion. It was a great evenings’ debating and whilst the old boys won back the cup, the evening will be remembered, for the quality of debating from the School team. The School, and Philip Hogan, deserve great credit for all their hard work. The Past vs Present Debate is running for over 30 years. This year the Rhetoric team consisted of Gavin Comerford (RK), Conor Browne (School Captain RK), Alex Delamer (RA) and Rian Hayes (RK) while the Past were represented by Oran Doyle O.B.'95, Cian O’Callaghan O.B.'97, Dara MacNamara O.B.'95 and Simon Mills O.B.'87. The evening was chaired by Barry Murphy (Union President) and the Time Keeper was Daniel Culleton (GF). After a closely contested debate, the Union team emerged victorious.
Pictures of the evening were taken by Fionán O’Connell. Many thanks and well done to all concerned for a wonderful evening.

Aoife Begley Memorial Debating Competition (NUI Maynooth)

Congratulations to Conor Peat (SA), Maccon Keane (SL), Ethan Campbell Foley (SS), Jack Kearney (SL), Ciaran Breslin (SL) and Leon Langdon (SL) on their participation in the first round of this year's competition! Well done to Maccon, Ethan, Ciaran and Leon on qualifying for the next round!

Irish Rounds for Oxford and Cambridge

Congratulations to Patrick Sharkey (PF) & Jack Loftus (PS), and Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF) & Dara Kelly (SX) on reaching the Final of the Irish Round of the Cambridge Union Schools Debating (Mace) Competition recently. Unfortunately they did not qualify to travel to Cambridge for the main Finals Day but they did do very well.
Many thanks also to the law firm Matheson for their support of the lads!
Well done to all involved!

Congratulations to the four Belvedere teams and one individual on qualifying to the Quarter Finals of this year's competition! The high standards and general consistency reached by all is to be commended! Well done to Conor Browne (RK), Rian Hayes (RK), Jack Loftus (PS), Patrick Sharkey (PF), Gavin Comerford (RK), Alex Delamer (RA), Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF), Dara Kelly (SX) and Simon Foy (RA). The next round will be held shortly. Onwards and upwards!

Trinity Philspeaks Mace

Belvedere team reach Final

Congratulations to Dara Kelly (SX) and Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF) on reaching the Final of the Senior Philspeaks Mace Debating. It was a tremendous achievement. Dara and Saoirse broke second on the tab in the competition. Well done also to Jack Loftus (PS) and Patrick Sharkey (PF) on their participation in the competition. Congratulations to all involved!

CHS Schools' Mace (Trinity)

Belvedere team reach Trinity Mace Final

Congratulations to Rian Hayes (RK) and Conor Browne (RK) on reaching the final of this year's Trinity Mace. In a tight final they lost out to St. Conleth's but spoke very well to get to the final in the first place (4 rounds, a semi final to overcome on the way). Well done also to Dara Kelly (SX), Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF), Maccon Keane (SL), Leon Langdon (SL), Conor Peat (SA) and Daniel Culleton (GF) on their participation in the competition.

Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition

Congratulations to Rian Hayes (RK), Conor Browne (RK), Gavin Comerford (RK), Alex Delamer (RA), Patrick Sharkey (PF), Jack Loftus (PS), Dara Kelly (SX) and Saoirse Grogan Neilan (SF) who have all successfully come through the first round of this year's competition. The second round will be held next term.
Well done to all!

UCD L & H Senior Mace

Congratulations to Rian Hayes (RK) and Conor Browne (RK) on reaching the Final of this year's UCD Mace. Rian was named best speaker! Congratulations! Well done also to Patrick Sharkey (PF), Jack Loftus (PS), Gavin Comerford (RK), Alex Delamer (RA), Leon Langdon (SL) and Dara Kelly (SX) on their efforts in the competition.

Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition

Congratulations to Barry Maguire (RS) on being awarded the Runner-Up position in the Final of the Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition. Congratulations also to Cian Henry (RX) and Rian Hayes (PK) for their excellent performance on the night. Well done to all involved!

2013 Oxford Union Finals' Day

Congratulations to Rian Hayes (PK) and Conor Browne (PK) on their excellent performace in the 2013 Oxford Union Finals' Day. The standard at this Mace competition was very high and the two lads excelled to the extent that they made it to a Break Room only to be beaten by Eton amongst others! Well done to Conor and Rian!

Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition

Congratulations to Rian Hayes (PK) who has qualified as an individual for the Final of the Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition! He will join Cian Henry (RX) and Barry Maguire (RS) in this year's Final. It is the 1st time in 3 years that the school has reached the Leinster Senior Final and to have 3 students in it is major achievement. Well done to all involved!

Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition

Congratulations to Barry Maguire (RS) and Cian Henry (RX) on reaching the Final of the Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition!

Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition.

Well done to Rian Hayes (PK) and James Doyle (RX) on reaching the Semi Final of the competition.

Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition.

Congratulations to James Doyle (RX), Barry Maguire (RS) and Cian Henry (RX) who have qualified for the semi final of the Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition! The semi final will take place on Monday, March 4th. James will compete as an individual while Barry and Cian will compete as a team! It is the 3rd year that Cian has reached the semi final stage! Well done to all!

Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition

Congratulations to Cian Henry (RX), Barry Maguire (RS), James Doyle (RX), Patrick Sharkey (SF), Conor Browne (PK) and Rian Hayes (PK)
who will compete in the Quarter Finals of the Leinster Senior Schools Debating Competition in the coming days and weeks!

Cian Henry (RX) and Barry Maguire (RS) won the Trinity CHS Schools' Mace on February 1st / 2nd. It is the first time that Belvedere has won the competition after many attempts. After 5 rounds, a semi-final and a final the two lads emerged victorious in what was a high standard competition. All speeches involved only 15 minutes preparation and were either 5 or 7 minutes in length. Ken Donnelly (RS) and Oisin Galvin (RK) also competed in the competition and broke first on the tab (released after the 5 initial rounds), something which is a major achievement in itself! They competed in the final and were the runner up team! Ken was named best speaker!

For any school to come first and second in this competition is a huge achievement. Well done to Cian, Barry, Oisin and Ken!

Oxford Union Schools' Debating Competition
Belvedere team

The Irish Round of the Oxford Union Schools' Debating Competition took place on Wednesday January, 9th last in Wesley College. Belvedere College SJ entered three teams, Conor Browne (PK) & Rian Hayes (PK), Thomas Natin (SX) & Thomas Arnold (SX) and Jack Loftus (SS) & Patrick Sharkey (SF). The Oxford Competition is a Mace debating competition (where competitors have 15 minutes to prepare each topic). Everyone spoke very well. However, at the end of the Irish Round the team of Conor Browne (PK) and Rian Hayes (PK) were among the top 3 teams on the tab and thus qualified to represent the school and indeed Ireland at the Finals Day in Oxford in March. This is the 4th year in a row that Belvedere has been represented at this prestigious competition. Good Luck!

Annual Past v Present Debate

The Annual Past v Present Debate took place on Friday November 9th in the College. The topic was That this House Believes that the Catholic Church is a Force for Good. After a very closely contested debate against the Past Pupils the Rhetoric team of Barry Maguire (RS), Oisin Galvin (RK), Cian Henry (RX) and Ken Donnelly (RS) emerged victorious.

UCD L &H Schools Mace
Congratulations to Cian Henry (RX) and Barry Maguire (RS) on reaching the Grand Final of the UCD L & H Schools Mace. They did very well to reach the Final out of more than 70 teams. They were 2nd on the Tab!

TCD Philspeaks Senior Mace
Congratulations to Gavin Comerford (PK) and Alex Delamer (PA) on reaching the Final of the TCD Philspeaks Mace Debating Competition (January 18th/ 19th). They spoke very well, coming through 4 rounds and a Semi-Final to reach the Final. Well done also to Rian Hayes (PK), Conor Browne (PK), Sean Doupe (SX), and Daniel O'Neill (SK) on their efforts in the competition.

Past Pupils

Belvedere College S.J. is a school for boys founded in 1832. It continues today a tradition rooted in the Jesuit approach to education. The school currently has 1007 pupils enrolled and has a number of famous alumni in the world of the arts, politics, sport, science & business.